Initially, avian influenza was considered a disease affecting only birds. However, over time, avian influenza viruses began to infect humans, contributing to serious public health concerns. But how exactly does the transmission of the avian flu virus to humans occur? Clarifying this is key to understanding how to prevent and control the disease.

  The most common way the bird flu virus is transmitted to humans is through direct contact with infected birds. The virus can be transmitted by touching infected birds, their droppings, secretions or surfaces contaminated by infected birds. This can include situations such as slaughtering, warm preparation or cooking of infected poultry, as well as contact with surfaces containing contaminated material.

  One of the reasons bird flu is so dangerous is its ability to mutate. Avian influenza viruses can mutate and adapt to infect other species, including humans. This ability of the virus to change is a key factor that has allowed some strains of bird flu to spread to humans and cause severe disease.

  Although bird flu viruses do not usually transmit easily from human to human, there are cases where such transmission has occurred. For example, during the 1997 Hong Kong outbreak and the 2005 Indonesia outbreak, there were several cases of person-to-person transmission of the virus. In both of these cases, transmission occurred between members of the same family, suggesting that close contact is required for transmission of the virus.

  Scientists believe that the occurrence of an avian flu pandemic in humans is possible if a strain of the avian flu virus acquires the ability to transmit easily from person to person. This is one of the reasons why it is so important to monitor and study bird flu viruses.

  It is important to understand that although avian influenza viruses can transmit to humans, not all of them do, and most are only transmitted through direct contact with infected birds. This means that the most effective way to prevent bird flu infection is to avoid direct contact with birds that may be infected, especially in areas where bird flu is common.

  In summary, avian influenza is transmitted to humans mainly through direct contact with infected poultry or their droppings. It is important to closely monitor and study avian influenza viruses to understand how they evolve and how they can be transmitted, which is key to protecting public health.